“Thailand is not only about nightlife, there’s so much more to it. Please get your facts right” – I just took a back when Mr. Awut says so by slamming the table. Thais are extremely soft-spoken and known for their warmth of friendly smiles. One has to be really loathsome to make them lose their mind!
But what did I do to offend him? It was a minute later I understood the reason, when he shot another question; “So you didn’t like anything else about Thailand except the nightlife, right?”
Well, all of that started with a conversation regarding Thailand and he asked me casually about how much did I like it. As I am a foreigner it was quite a common question to ask. And to much of his wonder he got the same reply that most foreigners would give.
I put down his expectation, I guess. Having said that, I was no exception. I remember the first time when I spilled it to my friends back in my home town that I am going to Thailand. All of them came up with a huge list of bars and pubs, adult massage centers and some areas that host happening parties. But, astonishingly I came across many health and holistic spas. In fact, they were more in number except certain ‘pockets’. Anyway, by the end of the trip I was all happy and satisfied that I have done almost everything that “I am expected to do when in Thailand”.
I am extremely thankful to Mr. Awut for letting me see Thailand the way I wouldn’t have otherwise. Thus I extended my stay.
Beyond the pulsating nightlife, Thailand is the hub of trading. Surrounded by sea, the country makes import and export easy and hassle-free. The country imported US$225.1 billion of goods from around the globe in 2017 up by 15% from 2016 to 2017 and shipped US$236 billion of goods across the world in 2017, up by 3.3% since 2013 and up by 10.5% from 2016 to 2017. As for the present scene, imports to Thailand surged to USD 20.22 billion in April, 2018.
Aside, it‘s a country of world-class infrastructure and a staggering skyline. Currently Thailand is working on some of the biggest infrastructure projects. One of the recent-most fascinating developments is the Siam Discovery, probably the artiest of the many malls in Bangkok.
Furthermore, the country is taking the lead in developing a regional fund with its neighbors, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia to back infrastructure and development projects.
Be it agriculture, hospitality or IT industry, Thailand is one of the very few countries that have made a significant mark in all the sectors. And this is the reason why the natives there don’t appreciate Thailand to be known for its nightlife only. Having said that, it’s true that you won’t get such a thrilling, happening and affordable-for-all kind of nightlife anywhere in the world, but that’s not the only thing. You know it’s more like judging someone on the basis of looks and not quality. How shallow! Isn’t it?
It is equally very disturbing to see how disgracefully few foreigners behave there. I am sure they wouldn’t dare to do that back in their country. This is why I believe Thailand should take serious actions against such wrong-doers, so that they can stop such nuisance.
I wonder how one can take an exchange of smile from a Thai lady for granted while making unpleasant advances towards her. And then it is the same person who would probably promote Thailand as the party hub. Well, this is not what Mr. Kwut said, but what I have witnessed.
On the other hand, I have come across people who were once foreigners, but now, are happily settled in Thailand with their family. In fact, during my return from Chatuchak Market (the largest market in Thailand with more than 15,000 stalls) I had a short encounter with Ron, who told he is here in Thailand to establish his business. And that prompted me to find more about foreign direct investment in Thailand. Here’s what I found;
As you can see foreign direct investment in Thailand has increased by 32593.37 THB Million in March, 2018, which is quite a number, huh!
Besides, Thailand’s rich culture, heritage and etiquette will keep you astounded. I still remember a write-up by a foreigner on “A Day in Thailand is Equal to 500 Dopamine Hitting Your Brain…” and today I can so relate to each of its words.
